Something about...
                ... Charlotte Dujardin

Charlotte left school at 16 and after achieving success pony showing - she won at the Horse of the Year Ahow four times and Hickstead three times. She went to work for dressage rider, trainer and FEI judge Judy Harvey. In early 2007, Charlotte visited Carl Hester for some lessons, he asked her to help out for 10 days and she never left. Now based at Carl's yard, she says the best thing about the yard is, "the amount of chocolates, cakes and biscuits people bring along when they visit! And everyone is alwys so supportive and they all really care for the horses. We all work hard, but then we all have a really exiting year ahead of us." Her horsey partner for the Olympics was Valegro, stable name Blueberry, a 16.2hh KWPN gelding co-owned by Carl Hester and Rowena Luard. Charlotte describes him as "happy, easy-giong and easy to please." Stephen Clarkks says: "Valegro is one of the most exiting horses at the moment. He's such a fabulous horse, with no weaknesses and many highlights." This year Charlotte and Valegro won gold at the Olympics.

Charlotte Dujardin & Valegro at the Olympics

BOOK TIP

Enlightened Equitation by Heather Moffett

In this revised edition of Enlightened Equitation, classical instructor Heather Moffett shows how riders can achieve better harmony with teir horse. She covers all aspects of flatwork, from perfecting balance and position, to using transitions, turns and lateral work to improve how you and your horse work together. The exercises are accompanied by steb-by-step photos showing the correct movements, plus common errors.

Thorough and informative, this is a great read for dressage enthusiasts, or those who simply want to improve their riding. I also read the book and tried some exercises with my horses. It works and i really advise the book to you.

How I like this guy !!

Honza Bláha is a horseman who endeavors to link the Natural Horsemanship together with the equestrian sport. More information under www.honzablaha.cz

How do I get my horse to respond to my leg when he has ha habit of kicking out against it and will argue if tapped with a whip?

Some horses are more sensitive to touch and will react adversely to even the lightest touches of the leg or whip. Think how quickly he reacts if a fly lands on him. The other reason for this behavior may be pain related ie to move freely forwards may be painful or he could be confused. If you have eliminated the last two reasons, he’ll need to learn that the response you require at the touch of the leg or whip is move forward. Firstly, check your hands are not restricting him. If he still gives you a backwards response, give two or three quick positive kicks just behind the girth again. Always take your leg away slightly before you kick – these will increase the response to your leg. When he goes forwards, reward him by sitting still and using your voice. This may have repeated several times until he really starts to accept your leg. The same exercise will need to be repeated with the whip. 

Horses have to learn that the touch of a leg means to move forwards

Equitana 2013 - Equestrian sports wold fair

At the 16th march starts the international Equestrian Event in Germany. Discover innovative new products, trends, top sport and live entertainment. Leading international manufactures will have their new developments and innovations on display. You can take the chance to attend inspireing discussions and listen to top-class presentations by experts. You have the chance to rub shoulders with the stars in of the equestrian World. Also you can visit the shows - Hop Top, Stallions and Parell. I've been there the last years since i'm six years old and i love it.

Here you can see...

So what is the key to keeping your older horse supple? Variety is the spice of life!

Recent research into the health and management of your older horses clearly shows that the longer you can keep your horse in work and active in his daily life, the healthier he will be in the long term.

Regular exercise
If your horse has been ridden every day for the last 15 years, don’t stop now just because he has earned the ‘veteran’ title. You may however need to reduce the level at which he works to save his legs from too much wear and tear (maybe the local hunter trial is a better option than Badminton from now on!)

Correct feeding
As our horses get older, many of them carry on as they have always done, however some need a little more TLC. Older horses sometimes struggle to digest their food properly so many need more, or a different type – it is always best to discuss you’re horse’s individual requirements with your vet before reaching for the nearest ‘veteran horse’ mix.

Regular vet check-ups
Older horses are more likely to be affected by coughs and colds and day to day aches and pains. Routine vaccinations and check-ups are vitally important to keep them well.

Age-related aches and pains
As our old favorites head into retirement, they may need a little extra help to keep them moving freely and out of pain. For some a supplement may be enough, but other will need a bit more like acupuncture or some medication.